1 Thessalonians 5:6: ‘So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us keep awake and be sober.’
Often when we use the word sober, we think about alcohol, the opposite of being drunk. I don’t drink and have never been drunk but since the 21 day fast I feel more ‘sober’ in my prayer time and realise distraction can be likened to drunkenness.
Sober-minded means ‘free from intoxicating influences.’ Any outside force that’s dangerous and addictive. Scrolling is an addiction so many of us have but don’t really talk about because we like it, it makes us feel relaxed and well… everybody does it, right? But scrolling can be dangerous spiritually speaking.
I’ve had an honest and refreshing time in God’s presence and said to Him, ‘I feel sober,’ which has led to me writing this. I realise that when we turn to God and seek Him, we will find Him. The more I scroll, the more difficult I find it to concentrate in prayer. I’ve come to believe there’s a direct correlation between the two!
Practically speaking, putting the phone on the other side of room helps; then I have to decide if it’s worth getting out of bed. Having a handy jotter nearby, I write down what I want to find out about as it comes to mind- I can look it all up in one session and then put the phone down. Immersing myself in Christian literature, from C.S Lewis to Joyce Meyer; learning of their testimonies as well as their understanding of God. Build your ‘inner man’ as Joyce says, gaining knowledge on praise, prayer and spiritual warfare.
If we’re going to consume any knowledge let it be that which is going to make a difference to our lives, not just feed our curiosity or provide some escapism.
How different would my thought life be if I took Holy Communion everyday like Smith Wigglesworth instead of ten minutes of scrolling that I had deceived myself into believing was a bit of ‘me time’ before bed? Why not be still before Him where we can be strengthened for the day to come and have our heart guarded by His peace as we sleep?
There are many cat videos online that keep me entertained. Before I know it, I’ve watched 10 clips of animal antics instead of sharing my day with the Lord. What are we hiding or escaping from?
Confessing our needs is humbling ourselves before God. There are things only He can do. I don’t want to be amused anymore; I want to know joy: feel strong and safe. That means making room for the Holy Spirit; keeping a clear mind and having self-control.
1 Corinthians 15:34 “Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God.”
- Jesse Kaur
Next steps:
- What will you do practically to become sober-minded?
- Share it with a friend/your Home Church and pray together.